Unprecedented progress has been made in reducing maternal and child deaths around the world since 1990, according to a new report from Save the Children. Nonetheless, the statistics remain shocking. Of the three million babies who die each year in their first month of life, almost two-thirds are from just ten countries. Thanks to Joanne [...]
READ MOREArticles by Melissa Sweet
A rather large wrap of health news from the Federal Budget – and some mixed reaction
This post offers an overview of health-related news from the Budget and a wrap of reaction. Here are links to: • Health and Ageing Budget statements • A table giving a quick overview of health spends and cuts • Ministerial press releases • Closing the Gap press release • The Treasurer’s speech ***
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The medical conference industry: selling exotic travel junkets, or useful education?
The AMA has been campaigning hard against changes to tax deductions for work-related self-education that are likely, amongst other things, to reduce the attractiveness of conferences in exotic locations. Paul Smith, political editor at Australian Doctor, has exposed one of the vulnerabilities of the AMA’s campaign with a story about its Queensland branch’s annual conference, [...]
READ MORENew review on chemical residues backs breastfeeding
Concerns about the presence of man-made chemicals in our bodies should not deter women from breastfeeding, according to a new review of the scientific evidence. The International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) says breastmilk contains protective agents and helps children develop a strong immune system. Breastfeeding can mitigate the effects of chemical exposure in the [...]
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Where is the leadership on health research and climate change?
Alarm bells are ringing right around the world on climate change (see some of the most recent examples at the bottom of this post). But does the health and medical research sector have its thumbs jammed firmly in its ears? In the article below, Dr Elizabeth Haworth, Dr Brad Farrant and Fiona Armstrong lament a [...]
READ MOREIf the Feds wanted to use the Budget to improve population health….. (some out-of-the-box ideas)
If the Federal Government wanted to use the forthcoming Budget to boost population health, what would it do? Raise taxation generally (plus specific hikes for tobacco, alcohol, and unhealthy foods), and remove subsidies on the use of fossil fuels. These are among the suggestions from Croakey contributors outlined in the post below. Contributors also said [...]
READ MOREBike share schemes boost public health
Should public health advocates be lobbying for bike share schemes in Australia? Yes, suggests Dr Melissa Stoneham of the Public Health Advocacy Institute WA (PHAIWA). In the latest edition of JournalWatch, she reviews a recent study investigating the impact of such a scheme in Montreal. *** On your bike!! Why we need more bike share schemes [...]
READ MORESome advice for researchers and services wanting to improve Aboriginal health
Some suggestions for how researchers and health services might do a better job of engaging with Aboriginal patients and communities have come from a research project spanning rural, regional and remote NSW. The suggestions include taking time to develop trust and relationships (including with community members outside of the health sector), recruiting Aboriginal staff, and [...]
READ MOREThe NBN is vital for economic, social and healthcare development, says health leader
Rural health advocates have nominated equitable access to high-speed broadband as a critical election issue. It was the top priority recommendation from the recent National Rural Health Conference in Adelaide, where delegates stated that high broadband speeds are crucial for facilitating new and emerging best practice models of healthcare. As well as its importance for enabling [...]
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If you support stronger regulation of pharma/doctor interactions, now is the time to speak up
A bill has been introduced into the Senate that would restrict interactions between the pharmaceutical industry and the medical profession. Most of the submissions to a Senate committee inquiry into the proposals have come from industry. In the article below, Dr Ken Harvey, adjunct associate professor at La Trobe University, urges concerned members of the public and [...]
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